Maple News reports that Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) sustained a consistent level of activity throughout June 2021, continuing to play a pivotal role in the country’s immigration strategy. These programs remain a vital avenue for skilled foreign workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
With the exception of Quebec and Nunavut, all Canadian provinces and territories operate their own PNPs. Each region tailors its selection criteria to address specific economic and labor market needs, allowing them to nominate candidates who are most likely to contribute meaningfully to the local workforce.
PNPs are expected to welcome over 80,000 immigrants annually through 2023, making them one of Canada’s most significant immigration pathways. This steady intake reflects Canada’s growing reliance on regional immigration channels to fulfill national demographic and economic goals.
There are two primary types of PNP streams: base and enhanced. Base streams function independently of the federal Express Entry system. Candidates selected through these streams apply directly to a province, and if successful, they receive a nomination that allows them to apply to the federal government for permanent resident status. This process is typically two-staged—provincial nomination followed by federal application.
Enhanced PNP streams, on the other hand, are integrated with Canada’s Express Entry system. Provincial governments actively scan the federal Express Entry candidate pool to identify applicants matching specific skills and labor needs. Chosen candidates are invited to apply for nomination, and if successful, they gain 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points—significantly boosting their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in a future Express Entry draw.
The Express Entry system encompasses Canada’s three main economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. By connecting PNPs with Express Entry, provinces can fast-track highly skilled individuals who are well-suited to address regional labor shortages.
Overall, June 2021 saw provincial immigration remaining robust, underscoring the vital role PNPs play in Canada’s broader immigration ecosystem. As the country continues to recover from the pandemic and intensifies its efforts to attract global talent, these programs remain a cornerstone of Canada’s strategy to meet both regional and national workforce demands.